READING, U.K. and BOSTON -- Airwide Solutions, the leading provider of mobile messaging infrastructure and applications, today announced an agreement with Cell C to upgrade its messaging network, using Airwide's AirMessenger SMSCs and AirGate messaging gateways to increase capacity and more efficiently manage messaging traffic. Cell C, South Africa’s third largest mobile phone operator, is making the investment to be better prepared for the festive season peaks in SMS traffic. Airwide’s South African partner, Atos Origin, is working with Airwide on the integration of the new technologies with Cell C’s existing infrastructure.

Cell C's network is growing fast through both organic subscriber acquisition and through agreements with mobile virtual network operators, including Virgin Mobile. Over 16 million SMS messages were sent over Cell C's network during last New Year's celebrations and this figure is expected to be even higher this year. AirMessenger is a high performance, industry-proven SMSC that will facilitate Cell C's growth, enhance subscribers' experience and maximize revenues from mobile messaging.

Dennis Magaya, head of service and architecture planning at Cell C, says: "Airwide has been our preferred messaging infrastructure partner since we rolled out our messaging network in 2001. With the upgrade to our system we are confident that we will be able to handle the anticipated peak in traffic and continue to deliver a reliable service to our subscribers during the festive season. By installing AirGate, we look forward to being able to offer a new range of exciting applications and maintaining our leading innovative position”.

Airwide Solutions